0
Laborious Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
conditional sentence ( if were + ing, would ...)
Hi all, :-)
I've joined (or become a member of?) this forum today only (just a few minutes ago). And I'm very glad after doing so (or after doing that?)
Actually, I am trying to learn Conditional sentences (all the possible patterns and their uses). In that thread(if you were looking for?), the
questioner (Henry74) asked, "do I have to conclude that a sentence
that didn't feature an idiomatic would like would be incorrect? For example:a) if you were looking for your keys, you would find them on the fridge."
And Sir CJ explained it in the following way:
You might hear any of the following.
(My remarks apply equally if will replaces 'll, and/or would replaces 'd, and/or you're replaces you are.)
1 If you are looking for your keys, you'll find them on the fridge.
2 If you were looking for your keys, you'll find them on the fridge.
3 If you are looking for your keys, you'd find them on the fridge.
4 If you were looking for your keys, you'd find them on the fridge.
1. No problem. A 'real' situation; a 'real' offer of help.
2. Same meaning as 1. Past of politeness in the if-clause.
3. Problematic. The if-clause is 'real', the following clause is 'hypothetical'. I don't recommend using this one.
4. Standard formula for a 'second conditional', but unlikely to be interpreted as such. It's more like the past of 1. Or - like the more tentative (polite) form of 1.
Now my question is "are there any instances where the structure (If were + ing, would...) can be used for things that are HYPOTHETICAL/ IMAGINARY either in the present or in the future?"
I'd be grateful if anybody tried to explain with some examples.
Thanks to all of you for doing this great job. :-)
I've joined (or become a member of?) this forum today only (just a few minutes ago). And I'm very glad after doing so (or after doing that?)
Actually, I am trying to learn Conditional sentences (all the possible patterns and their uses). In that thread(if you were looking for?), the
questioner (Henry74) asked, "do I have to conclude that a sentence
that didn't feature an idiomatic would like would be incorrect? For example:a) if you were looking for your keys, you would find them on the fridge."
And Sir CJ explained it in the following way:
You might hear any of the following.
(My remarks apply equally if will replaces 'll, and/or would replaces 'd, and/or you're replaces you are.)
1 If you are looking for your keys, you'll find them on the fridge.
2 If you were looking for your keys, you'll find them on the fridge.
3 If you are looking for your keys, you'd find them on the fridge.
4 If you were looking for your keys, you'd find them on the fridge.
1. No problem. A 'real' situation; a 'real' offer of help.
2. Same meaning as 1. Past of politeness in the if-clause.
3. Problematic. The if-clause is 'real', the following clause is 'hypothetical'. I don't recommend using this one.
4. Standard formula for a 'second conditional', but unlikely to be interpreted as such. It's more like the past of 1. Or - like the more tentative (polite) form of 1.
Now my question is "are there any instances where the structure (If were + ing, would...) can be used for things that are HYPOTHETICAL/ IMAGINARY either in the present or in the future?"
I'd be grateful if anybody tried to explain with some examples.
Thanks to all of you for doing this great job. :-)
Top answer
) can be used for things that are HYPOTHETICAL/ IMAGINARY either in the present or in the future? Yes. That's the most typical usage.
- ) can be used for things that are HYPOTHETICAL/ IMAGINARY either in the present or in the future?
- Yes.
- That's the most typical usage.
- There are more of these than of any of the other kinds.
- If you were paddling down Badger Creek (right now) in your canoe, you would notice oak trees on the right bank.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
Toast2013are there any instances where the structure (If were + ing, would...) can be used for things that are HYPOTHETICAL/ IMAGINARY either in the present or in the future?Yes. That's the most typical usage. There are more of these than of any of the other kinds.
If you were paddling down Badger Creek (right now) in your canoe, you would notice o
00
CalifJimYes. That's the most typical usage. There are more of these than of any of the other kinds.If you were paddling down Badger Creek (right now) in your canoe, you would notice oak trees on the right bank.If Henry were going to Lucy's party (next week), he would take Roberta with him.If Inez were having one of her migraines (now), she would be moaning in pain in a dar
00
Toast2013OrYes, you should say this instead.Ishould I say "If you were to pay attention, you'd understand this eventually" instead?
CJ
0
Related Questions